Making friends is so much harder now that I’m an adult. As a kid, it was easy. The conversation went something like this: “Hi I’m Amanda”. “Hi I’m Jenny”. “Wanna play?” “O.K.” Done. Why can’t adults be that way? Why do we care if someone has a higher degree, earns more money, drives a nicer car, lives in a bigger home? When do we lose our ability to see one another as equals?
People are automatically drawn to me. They tell me their life stories (sometimes while nude in the gym locker room). I often wonder if I wear a sign that says “Unload your troubles here”. Meeting people is not the problem. My issue lies in taking the next step, past shooting the breeze and actually getting to know them. I immediately start to wonder if we will have things in common, if we are on the same playing field, if I’m good enough.
Sometimes I wish I could see the world as a child again. To see the big picture, instead of all the compartments, classes, and cliques. From now on, I'm going to try and let my guard down. To get to know others without worrying about their circumstances.
Hi my name is Amanda. Do you want to play?
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